Strong support for Réseau Trans-Al, a business network tied to the aluminum industry
Government of Canada to invest more than half a million dollars for the network's activities
SAGUENAY, QC, May 4, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Réseau Trans-Al (website in French only)
The development of sectoral and regional expertise in aluminum processing plays a major role in growing this industry, which provides thousands of well-paying skilled jobs. By supporting the creation of technology and business partnerships, the Government of Canada is helping ensure the vitality of businesses in this sector and optimizing the potential of this industry on the international market.
Réseau Trans-Al, a network of Quebec aluminum manufacturing enterprises and suppliers, will be receiving a non-repayable contribution of $564,000 to fund its technical, technological and business development activities and projects.
The contribution awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program was announced today by Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.
Jacques Caya, President of the organization, welcomed the support, stating that CED's financial assistance is essential in enhancing innovation capacity, digital technology use, business development and the expansion of businesses in this sector, which has high growth potential.
A critical link in the aluminum processing sector, Réseau Trans-Al has been in operation since 1997 and has more than 200 members, the vast majority of which are SMEs and businesses in the industry across various Quebec regions.
Quotes
"Through its innovative technical, technological and business approaches, Réseau Trans-Al is an aluminum industry hub. CED's contribution reaffirms the organization's central role with SMEs and the industry overall."
Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean
"In line with our commitment to grow the Canadian economy, the Government of Canada's goal is to provide better support for businesses that want to prosper through innovation and the development of new products and new markets. The funding announced today will definitely contribute to that goal."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
"This funding is a vote of confidence in our organization and in all businesses in the aluminum processing sector. The contribution announced today will help new initiatives emerge by building on the know-how and competitive advantages of SMEs and key players in the industry, which is so important for our economy."
Jacques Caya, President, Réseau Trans-Al
Quick facts
- In 2017, the Canadian steel industry employed more than 23,000 Canadians and contributed $4.2 billion to Canada's gross domestic product (GDP). The Canadian aluminum industry employed 10,500 workers while contributing $4.7 billion to Canada's GDP.
- These industries are vital suppliers to the Canadian manufacturing, energy, automotive and construction industries.
- CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
- For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
- Budget 2018 proposes to provide an additional $511 million in funding over five years on a cash basis, starting in 2018–2019, for the regional development agencies to support the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada.
- Of the $511 million, $99 million will be allocated to CED, of which $22 million will go toward supporting the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Régions, Tel.: 514-283-7443, Email: [email protected]
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